Winter of disconnection | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

After paying for an internet service to his AUT city apartment a US student waited to go online ... and waited ...  Susan Clephane reports.

Chris Demetriow is a 21-year-old communications student from the  United States with a sour first impression of Auckland. What's bugging him? Internet access at AUT - or lack of it.

Fresh off the plane, the study-abroad student hit turbulence in his first few weeks.

Arriving at AUT's Wellesley St Student Apartments on July 8, his new home for four months, Chris was eager to explore and begin ticking off items on his two-page "to do" list.

From plunging from the SkyTower to eating fish and chips on the beach, Chris knew his first priority was to Skype home to let his family know he'd survived his 18-hour plane trip.

However, it took 15 days for Chris and other students in the apartments to get internet service. "It prevented me from doing school research when school had started the following week, Skyping home, planning trips and talking to friends. I had to go to a computer downstairs or to the library, which was a separate internet account that you have to pay extra for," he says.

Coming from a university at Albany, New York, where internet access is free for students, paying for the internet and then not getting it for so long was a shock.

During orientation Chris was given a sign-up sheet for internet provider Orcon.

After signing up, Chris was told it would take 10 business days until he had access. The cost of access for the semester is $130.

Students may use other internet providers. Chris, unfamiliar with other options, signed up with Orcon. He was soon frustrated with the time it took. "It seems weird that it takes so long. All the equipment for the internet is there, just put in the numbers and away you go."

Two days beyond the 10 working days promised, Chris got access.

Orcon's head of brand and communications, Duncan Blair, says the 10-day period is necessary for payment. "They are students with no credit history."

Though it normally takes only two or three days for the financial side to be cleared, the 10 days give room for any issues that may emerge. Mr Blair apologises for the inconvenience and says he's willing to talk to Chris about his case.

Chris spent an extra $10 during the fortnight he was waiting for access - a total outlay of $140 by the time he got on to Orcon. "It may not seem much to some but I'm trying to budget to get the most out of my time here. It is a frustrating situation."

Chris has saved for years waiting tables just to get to New Zealand. "I'd prefer to be spending my money on visiting places or buying groceries - probably not Vegemite though."

What's my line?

There is no pressure on AUT students to sign with Orcon, says AUT public relations director Tiffany White.

"Orcon provides bulk sign-up forms and we have them at accommodation hostels for the convenience of students," she says. "We see that as merely providing information for students. At orientation we have a number of providers that set up stalls, usually three or more, and students are welcome to select the provider of their choice."

Ms White says AUT does not endorse one firm over another.

"There's no suggestion for us that this is the service that has to be used."